Recurrence of pancreatic cancer— which can be spread through lymph system... yes. The prognosis in that instance, dating back several months prior to this announcement— she could be close to being “on track” to pass away. Pancreatic cancer is very fast, even while “treatable”.
She had early-stage colon and pancreatic cancers removed in 1999 and 2009, respectively.
A CA 19-9 blood test may be used to:
- Monitor pancreatic cancer and cancer treatment. CA 19-9 levels often go up as cancer spreads, and go down as tumors shrink.
- See if cancer has returned after treatment.
Recurrence may have been detected months ago through blood monitoring, and tumors may have started sprouting in the lung. If so, they might also develop rapidly elsewhere, especially if there is no treatment. Maybe somewhere inoperable, like bones or brain.